Grayson LandCare, Inc., a local non-profit organization, is pleased to announce the judging of the 4th Land Stewardship Competition.
Too often our youth graduate and leave Grayson County thinking our community doesn’t have any opportunities for them. This contest encourages students to explore real economic, environmental and social problems facing Grayson County and suggest innovative solutions that can really work here. Contestants are invited to think creatively about how we can be good stewards of our land and still meet the triple bottom line of sustainability―being economically successful, protecting our environment, and promoting community involvement and well-being.
Claire Gleason researched how raising alpacas can be profitable and environmentally benign
Dylan Isom studied eco-friendly fertilizers and pesticides 
Kattie Isom presented composting techniques to improve soil quality
Judges were:
Mimi Leonard, professor at Wytheville Community College; Emily Brown, biology teacher at Galax High School, and Katie Trozzo, graduate student in Natural Resources at Virginia Tech
And the winners are:
First place ($1,000) – Claire Gleason; Dylan and Kattie Isom tied for second and received $375 each. Hannah Eller (not pictured) received an honorable mention and $50 for her project on eco-tourism.
The competition, which started October 2010, was open to all students in grades 8 through 12 who are enrolled in a school in Grayson County (Grayson County Schools, Galax City Schools, Oak Hill Academy) or who are residents of Grayson County and are homeschooled. Students can enter individually or in teams of two to five persons. Entry forms and short summaries of projects were due April 1, 2011. The Fourth Annual Land Stewardship Fair, where students presented their projects for judging, which was held May 7, 2011 as part of the Earth Day festivities in Independence, VA.
Congratulations to all of these industrious and talented students!
Check back for announcements for the The Fifth Annual Land Stewardship Competition and Fair. |
